Porsche launches 911 Targa 4
4 and 4S offer open-top Carrera-ness
 Porsche 997 Targa 4 and 4S (silver)  Porsche 997 Targa 4S  Porsche 997 Targa 4 |
Porsche has launched the Targa variants of the 911 Carrera. For the first time, according to Porsche, the Targa models will be available with permanent all-wheel drive and a body that is 44mm wider at the rear.
As with the 996, the 997 Targas feature a large glass roof and folding rear window. The Targa 4 is powered by the familiar flat-six engine, delivering 325 bhp power from its 3.6 litres. It accelerates the car from 0 to 62mph in 5.3 seconds while the 3.8-litre S produces 355bhp and a 0-62mph of 4.9 seconds.
Customers can choose Porsche’s five-speed Tiptronic S automatic transmission, allowing very sporty gear changes using the finger pads mounted on the steering-wheel spokes, and which has been measured by Porsche to deliver a faster zero to 62 mph than the manual transmission -- bit of a first, this.
As with the coupe and cabrio versions of the Carrera 4S, the transmission uses all-wheel drive with a Visco multi-plate clutch, which depending on driving conditions applies between five and 40 percent of the driving power to the front axles at all times. The system thereby ensures well-balanced propulsive power in bends when driving to the limit, and improves traction even on wet or slippery road surfaces.
The outward distinguishing feature of the Targa 4(S) is a large glass roof blending harmoniously with the sports car’s lines and lending it a distinctive personality, reckons Stuttgart. A side-mounted polished, anodized aluminium trim strip running the length of the roof frame emphasises the side outline.
The glass roof is a visually appealing highlight and ensures a light, airy interior. It can be opened in only seven seconds to as much as half a metre, no matter what the speed, by means of two electric motors. The maximum roof opening area is then 0.45 square metres.
It's made of two-ply tinted glass, and is 1.9kg lighter than its predecessor. Wind noises are kept low at high speed by a new sealing system. A wind deflector minimises turbulence inside the vehicle, allowing the roof to be opened even at lower temperatures, said Porsche. The semi translucent black cloth roller sunblind provides protection from excessive solar radiation. The glass roof and roller blind are operated by a rocker switch on the central console next to the handbrake lever.
The gas strut-operated, upward-tilting rear windshield makes it easy to load the 230-litre capacity boot with rear seats in the folded position. The tailgate can either be unlocked by a switch on the driver side doorsill or by the remote control button on the key fob. Closing is facilitated by an electric closing aid.
The 911 Targa 4 costs €79,000 and €87,900 for the 4S, and they'll be available in November.
I personally find the styling of this car more pleasing to the eye than the normal FHC. Does this article suggest what the weight penalty is? Shame whatever additional weight there is will be high as well, lifting the CoG.
Looking at the quoted 0-62 times (0.2 sec for the standard model), the weight gain seems to be rather substantial and most likely in the worst place. Some years ago this level of kerb weight would have gotten you into a lorry...
I personally find the styling of this car more pleasing to the eye than the normal FHC. Does this article suggest what the weight penalty is? Shame whatever additional weight there is will be high as well, lifting the CoG.
Looking at the quoted 0-62 times (0.2 sec for the standard model), the weight gain seems to be rather substantial and most likely in the worst place. Some years ago this level of kerb weight would have gotten you into a lorry...
I think there are a great many Porsche buyers who really don't understand or care about the significance of the weight issue.
Porsche, like many other manufacturers, are trying to accomodate every gap within their potential market to attract a broader clientele. And for those people who want wide bodies, four wheel drive, tiptronic, complex roof systems, all modern comforts and conveniences, Porsche will provide the product.
If one argues that the best dynamic iteration of the 911 is a lightweight, simply specc'd, 6 -spd, rwd, Coupe a lot of people will just laugh.
I personally find the styling of this car more pleasing to the eye than the normal FHC. Does this article suggest what the weight penalty is? Shame whatever additional weight there is will be high as well, lifting the CoG.
Looking at the quoted 0-62 times (0.2 sec for the standard model), the weight gain seems to be rather substantial and most likely in the worst place. Some years ago this level of kerb weight would have gotten you into a lorry...
If one argues that the best dynamic iteration of the 911 is a lightweight, simply specc'd, 6 -spd, rwd, Coupe a lot of people will just laugh.
...this is already well known to be fact...see the recent write ups in the specialist magazines of the 997 turbo v the dynamic traits of the new GT3 & RS.
.The reasons for buying one are pretty simple:
1. It's better than a convertible if you want anyone to sit in the back - the forward raked (sp?) seats in the rear of the convertible are unuseable whereas the coupe and targa are as good as it gets in a 911.
2. The rear hatchback feature is great if you need this car to be at all practical.
3. The super-sized sunroof gives an impression of open air motoring although I personally would prefer a little more wind noise, buffetting etc.
Obviously all of this asusmes you will happily give up the weight and performance which clearly you wouldn't if it is to be a track-day car. My guess is that most of these are not and I don't believe it is possible to drive these cars lawfully near the limit on public roads - so I don't think the weight makes much difference.
Even a modest weight saving enhances the way a car accelarates, steers, brakes and handles. People spend £6000 on PCCBs not for improved braking but for the unsprung weight saving.
Drive an 'RS' or 'Club Sport' Porsche variant and the lightness is clearly detectable. Several leading journalists have also remarked that the base 997 is nicer to drive than a specc'd up 997S for this very reason.
Weight dulls the dynamics of virtually any car.
Makes sense and explains why you get the coupe first, then the cab then the targa.
Use the cab as the basis and you don't have to re-engineer the body structure or worry about proving crash performance.
Just my guess but makes sense to me.
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